Firecreacker Shrimp in a Skillet is a versatile meal that can be served as an appetizer, or over pasta as a main dish. / Sydne George photo

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Sydne George

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Star-spangled Shortcake Berry Bites will be a hit at your Fourth of July gathering. / Sydne George photo

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You’ve got flags to wave, sparklers to swirl through the air and a parade to partake in the coming week. So leave the party menu planning to us.

Take advantage of make-ahead shortcuts like thawing the shrimp in the refrigerator according to package instructions, using a store-bought (gasp!) pound cake and whipping up the Almond Whipped Cream in advance. Then assembling your Firecracker Shrimp in a Skillet and Star-Spangled Shortcake Berry Bites will be a breeze!

Sizzle up some spicy-sweet shrimp in a skillet, and serve it up any way you like: with frilly toothpicks as an appetizer straight out of the pan, accompanied by baguette slices or served over hot cooked pasta as an entree.

Having the Almond Whipped Cream on hand in the refrigerator and ready to pipe means all that’s left to do is cut out your shortcake stars before you start stacking your Star-Spangled Shortcake Berry Bites.

Slice pound cake into ½-inch thick slices, then use small star cookie cutter to cut into shortcake stars.

To assemble, pipe almond whipped cream on top of a shortcake star. Top with another shortcake star. Pipe a dollop of almond whipped cream on top of the second shortcake star and top with a berry. Garnish with white chocolate curls and fresh mint sprigs. Enjoy!